Victory for small traders as Latin American market is saved

One of London's longest-established ethnic markets has been saved after a campaign backed by the Evening Standard.

The future of Pueblito Paisa Market in Seven Sisters, which specialises in Latin American goods, was in doubt because of plans to redevelop the site.

Now it has emerged that following pressure from the Standard, with the support of Mayor Boris Johnson, a new proposal for the site has been put forward by developer Grainger. Submitted to Haringey Council today, it includes enough space for all the existing traders who wish to return following the redevelopment.

The Mayor said: "This much-loved market is vitally important to the Latin American community and home to many local traders.

"The livelihood of the traders and thousands of locals who rely on this market must be at the core of any plans."

David Walters of Grainger said: "We are delighted to have addressed concerns through the inclusion of a viable and appropriate solution for the market in our proposals."

The London Development Agency may now become involved on behalf of the Mayor to assist the market traders during the period when the site is developed.

Market traders have been promised a minimum six months notice to vacate, compensation, and assistance with accommodation during the construction period. The site, Wards Corner, lies between Tottenham High Road, Seven Sisters Road, Suffield Road and West Green Road.

Its 60 traders service a Latin American community that has been in the area for 500 years.